Thread: Single Malt Scotch Fans

I agree with the OBAN 14. I had a girl bring me a bottle back from when she visited the region. It was AWESOME. I had almost given up on scotch after buying $90 bottle of La Phroaig or something like that. It was the worst I've ever had. It tasted like swamp water. I mean I know it should have a peat like flavor to it, but thats all this one had going for it. Only reason I didnt throw it out was because I spent 90 on the damn thing lol

La Phroaig is indeed one of those that you either hate or love. It isn't my favorite either. You might want to stay away from Ardbeg as well. That is even worse.

And then there is 'Celp' which is a whisky with (and I kid you not) sea weed in the bottle. I tasted it in the shop, and it was vile. It is perhaps the only scotch whisky that I really wouldn't drink again, ever.
Think of the difference between Oban and La Phroiag. Then add the same difference TO the La Phroiag, and you have the taste of Celp.

Bruno,
I'm intrigued. Although I think Celp may be a bit over the top even for me, I really would like to try it given that Laphroaig is typically the malt that I reach for in the evening...that, or Talisker. On the other hand, I've never quite understood the worm in the bottom of the bottle of Mescal either; so is the seaweed there for a reason, or just a marketing ploy? Inquiring minds want to know.
Salainte',
Ed

The seaweed is mainly a marketing ploy, considering that it is not matured in the vat with the whisky. It is only put in the bottle afterwards.
One might argue that it gives a subtle flavor to the whisky, but imo any possible subtle taste is completely lost in the peat, which is about as subtle as a kick in the nuts.

Don't get me wrong, I have been drinking whisky for more than half of my life now, I've drankhundreds of different kinds, but this one comes without subtlety. you either like a mouthful of peat or you don't.

So imo the seaweed was the result of someone thinking: we have a special whisky, how do we make it get noticed, and how do we name it?
So they chucked a piece of celp in the bottle, and thought: 'hm? we might as well call it 'celp''

One of our members, Bill, very generously gave me some 12 year old 'The Glenlivet" the other day when I visited him. I'd said I'd bought some Talisker, and he said "try this".

Well, even a complete whiskey newb like me can taste the difference. Wow! I really like this stuff. I like the Talisker too, but Glenlivet is very smooth (or something) in comparison.

James.

Complete single malt newb but I am in love with the bottle of Caol Ila 18 year old I got for Christmas. mmmmmm. I also like The Glenlivet (that is about the extent of my scotch tasting thus far but I loves the stuff already)

Originally Posted by Bruno

La Phroaig is indeed one of those that you either hate or love. It isn't my favorite either. You might want to stay away from Ardbeg as well. That is even worse.

And then there is 'Celp' which is a whisky with (and I kid you not) sea weed in the bottle. I tasted it in the shop, and it was vile. It is perhaps the only scotch whisky that I really wouldn't drink again, ever.
Think of the difference between Oban and La Phroiag. Then add the same difference TO the La Phroiag, and you have the taste of Celp.

mmm, big fan of the La Phroaig myself. I'm also enjoying a bottle of Glen Morangie 10 year

Originally Posted by Bruno

La Phroaig is indeed one of those that you either hate or love. It isn't my favorite either. You might want to stay away from Ardbeg as well. That is even worse.

And then there is 'Celp' which is a whisky with (and I kid you not) sea weed in the bottle. I tasted it in the shop, and it was vile. It is perhaps the only scotch whisky that I really wouldn't drink again, ever.
Think of the difference between Oban and La Phroiag. Then add the same difference TO the La Phroiag, and you have the taste of Celp.

Ardbeg is worse??? It and Laphroaig are among the very best Islays along with Lagavulin. Tastes will vary, but these are the yummiest around. Talisker is another wonderful scotch.

Fred

Originally Posted by drfred

Ardbeg is worse??? It and Laphroaig are among the very best Islays along with Lagavulin. Tastes will vary, but these are the yummiest around. Talisker is another wonderful scotch.

Fred

I meant that the peatyness of Ardbeg is 'worse' than the LaProiag. I should have used the word 'Stronger' probably.
I had a bottle of 18 year old Ardbeg, and it was a very good whisky, but not for every occasion.

I liked it best after a BBQ or good steak.

I liked Lagavulin and Talisker beter as whiskies for every day.

EDIT: just to make myself absolutely clear: I dislike neither LP or Ardbeg. Both are very good whiskies, but I usually prefer whiskies that have slightly less peat in them.

Talking about peat, then Ardbeg is the worst of the worst. I will completely agree with you on that! I bought a case of Ugeadail(sic) cask strength that was the best ever!! Sadly, it is gone.....

Fred

The Talisker 10 and 18 are to die for!